Kemel Dawkins recommended as new MSU facilities vice president

Kemel Dawkins has been recommended to serve as Michigan State University’s vice president for strategic infrastructure planning and facilities.

Currently the executive vice chancellor for administration at Rutgers University’s Newark campus, Dawkins’ appointment is subject to approval by the MSU Board of Trustees. If approved, his appointment would be effective Jan. 1, 2014.

In his current position, Dawkins oversees the Newark campus’ budget, business services, public safety, facilities and capital planning, grants administration and purchasing.

If approved by the MSU board, he would manage the unit that plans, builds and maintains the physical environment for the university’s education, research and outreach missions.

“Kemel Dawkins brings years of experience and a strong depth of knowledge to this critical position,” said MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon. “We are looking forward to his leadership as we strive to be recognized as among the nation’s highest performing infrastructure and facilities operations.”

“Michigan State’s Infrastructure Planning and Facilities team has a strong national reputation,” Dawkins said. “Since my first visit to East Lansing I have come to understand that its reputation is driven by the high quality and dedication of its team. I am particularly excited to work with Dan Bollman and the rest of the IPF leadership team to implement President Simon’s bold vision for Michigan State.”

Bollman, currently director of engineering and architectural services, will transition into a leadership role, serving as an assistant vice president under Dawkins.

“We are excited to welcome Kemel Dawkins to Michigan State, concluding a thorough, nationwide search process,” said Satish Udpa, executive vice president for administrative services. “The search committee enthusiastically endorsed Kemel. We believe he has the skill and drive to continue to enhance our critical infrastructure needs in the years ahead.

Before joining the Rutgers team, Dawkins spent seven years as vice president for campus services at Duke University, where he led the facilities management department, Duke Police Department and auxiliary services.

Prior to that he was at Yale University, where he served as associate vice president for facilities and acting vice president for finance and administration.

Dawkins also served in similar roles at Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Dawkins earned an A.B. in political science from Princeton University.

Dawkins will succeed Ron Flinn, who has provided more than 50 years of service to MSU. During his tenure, Flinn has overseen or helped plan more than $1 billion in construction and infrastructure improvements. Flinn is a nationally regarded leader in his field.

Kemel Dawkins has been recommended to serve as MSU's vice president for strategic infrastructure planning and facilities. If approved by the MSU Board of Trustees, his appointment would be effective Jan. 1, 2014. He currently is the executive vice chancellor for administration at Rutgers University's Newark campus. Photo by G.L. Kohuth.